Katie Armiger’s journey truly began two years ago when she entered “Houston’s Best Country Singer” contest sponsored by Radio 93Q Country. The contest, which was held over an eight week period, had over 150 boys and girls ages 9-17 in the Junior Division who were vying for the title. After several performances Katie rose to the top to grab the title of Houston’s Best Country Singer in her division with her rendition of Martina McBride’s “Whatever You Say.”
Several months later, Katie arrived in Nashville, where she began her work in the studio with veteran producer Mark Oliverius for her demo. Over the years Oliverius has worked with the likes of Trick Pony, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, and Lorrie Morgan, among others. Having completed some of the demo tracks that now appear on her debut album it was obvious to all those around Katie that the project was special and should become something more. Thus the juggling act began. At the same time Katie was going to high school and maintaining an A average, she was listening to, writing, and rehearsing music.
“At 16 years old Katie Armiger has a lot to say,” said Oliverius. “She has a huge voice and a strength for songwriting that goes well beyond her years. I believe that she really does have what it takes to make it in this business – a strong musical talent and a passion for what she does.”
"17 In Abilene," which Katie co-wrote with fellow newcomer Ashlee Hewitt, showcases her skillful songwriting ability as well as her strong vocal talent. "17 In Abilene" is the quintessential carefree road trip song about the possibilities of an open road and is the first single off Katie’s debut self-titled album, due out this summer. “I think every teenager daydreams about getting in their car and taking off so we wanted to create a song that captured that carefree feeling in a catchy way,” said Katie. “Ashlee came up with a great groove on the guitar and the song just flowed from there. I hope listeners enjoy "17 In Abilene" as much as I enjoyed writing it.”
“‘Make Me Believe’ is my ‘chick empowerment’ song,” says Katie. “It is all about standing up and saying I cannot be your everything, so if this is not going to work out then you need to leave. It is a powerful song and I hope that is relayed to listeners.” Taking on a reverse perspective than the usual break-up song Katie and her co-writer Ashlee Hewitt, made it a song of strength where the woman finally tells the man that he needs to leave.
Katie's first album, BELIEVE is due for release in May 2008 and heralds the arrival of a distinctive vocal talent with an unforgettable array of powerful and brilliant songs. Drawing musical inspiration from some of country music’s greats like Martina McBride and Sarah Evans, this 16 year old is passionate about her music, focused on her future, and exudes the talent that’s needed to become a household name.
Leaving Home
Katie Armiger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With all my favorite high school pictures in a Ziploc
So when I think I'm by myself I know that I'm not
Thanks for the extra cash,
Please take good care of dad
And I promise you I'll call along the way
Mama, don't you cry
I'm moving on, but know this ain't goodbye
We might be miles apart, I'll carry you in my heart
I'll send you kisses on the phone
But mama, I'm leaving home
In only four months, I'll be coming home for Christmas
I bet that all the time will fly, you know how it does.
Maybe I'll go and find a nice guy and fall in love
I'll do my best to make you proud
Keep my room the same for now
Just in case these big ol' dreams don't work out
[Chorus]
We knew this day would come
And as bad as we wanna hold on
We both know it's time to let go (let go)
Mama, don't you cry
I'm moving on, but know this ain't goodbye
Mama, don't you cry
I'm moving on, but know this ain't goodbye
We might be miles apart, I'll carry you in my heart
I'll send you kisses on the phone
But mama, I'm leaving home
I'm leaving home
I'm leaving home
The song "Leaving Home" by Katie Armiger is a touching tribute to a mother as the singer departs from her hometown to pursue her dreams. The first verse depicts a moment of solemnity as the singer packs up memories of her past life in a shoebox with her high school pictures. She acknowledges how lonely it can get on the road, but these memories will always keep her company. The second part of the verse is also emotional, as she expresses gratitude to her mother for the financial support and entrusts the safety of her father in her hands.
The chorus is the centerpiece of the song, with Katie reassuring her mother that she is not saying goodbye forever, even though they will be miles apart. She promises to send kisses on the phone and to carry her mother in her heart as she launches into the unknown. The last verse takes on a more optimistic note, as Katie talks about coming back for Christmas and tells her mother that she might find love on the way. However, she says that staying in touch with her roots will always be an important part of her calling. The song ends with a reprise of the chorus and a final assertion from the singer that she is leaving home, but not the love and memories that are behind.
Line by Line Meaning
I put the locket that you gave me in a shoebox
I kept your gift along with my high school memories to remember you.
With all my favorite high school pictures in a Ziploc
I put all the memories which we shared in high school, in a safe place.
So when I think I'm by myself I know that I'm not
Whenever I think that I am alone, your gift reminds me of you.
Thanks for the extra cash,
Thanks for providing me with some money.
Please take good care of dad
Please make sure that dad stays healthy and happy.
And I promise you I'll call along the way
I'll keep in touch with you throughout my journey.
Mama, don't you cry
Mama, please don't cry.
I'm moving on, but know this ain't goodbye
I am leaving, but this is not goodbye.
We might be miles apart, I'll carry you in my heart
Even though we are far apart, I will always cherish you in my heart.
I'll send you kisses on the phone
I'll send you love over the phone.
But mama, I'm leaving home
But mama, I am leaving home.
In only four months, I'll be coming home for Christmas
I'll be home for Christmas in just four months.
I bet that all the time will fly, you know how it does.
Time will fly by, as we both know it usually does.
Maybe I'll go and find a nice guy and fall in love
Maybe I'll find someone who I can fall in love with.
I'll do my best to make you proud
I will try to make you proud.
Keep my room the same for now
Please keep my room the same for now.
Just in case these big ol' dreams don't work out
Just in case my big dreams don't come true.
We knew this day would come
We both knew that this day would come.
And as bad as we wanna hold on
As much as we want to hold on.
We both know it's time to let go (let go)
We both know that it's time to move on.
I'm leaving home
I'm leaving home.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BLAIR DALY, SARAH BUXTON, KATY ARMIGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind